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Twilight iMusings 



ALENA M. HUNT 




Twilight zMusing 



ALENA M. HUNT 




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ALENA M. HUNT 



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PRINTED BY 
THE AROOSTOOK RRESS 

HOULTON. ME. 



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a mm mlUh l^nm^ Maxtl^ 23, 1921 



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AT REST 

Peacefully thou'rt sleeping, mother dear, 
Far from the toils of this vain earth. 

Silently we drop the falling tear, 
For the dear one who gave us birth. 

Thy toil-worn hands are folded now, 

No more to labor here below, 
The marks of death are on thy brow. 

Thy sleep is peaceful, dear, we know. 

Thy weary body lies at rest, 

No more to know an ache or pain, 

'Tis Fathers' will, we know 'tis best 
He in our sorrow will sustain. 

'Tis hard, so hard, our cross to bear, 

Yet with aching heart we will trust, 
That He who gave the cross doth care 
And bear it willingly we must. 

Home is there, but mother's gone, 
The vacant chair beside the grate, 

Tell's -of the rest she hath won, 
She will for me no longer wait. 

No long'er will she watch for me, 
Nodding in the lamp's dim ray. 
No loiiQ-er her kindlv face I'll see. 



When homeward I wend mv wav. 



THE AROOSTOOK RIVER 

Over mossy rock and stone, 
Swiftly doth its waters glide, 
Ceasing not their onward flow, 
Ever onward it doth glide. 

Wild flowers of every hue, 
Lift their dainty heads so sweet, 
All along the waters side. 
Smiling faces there to greet. 

Weary trav'ler pause to gaze. 
On these sparkling waters bright 

Stop and rest beside the brook, 
Catch a glimpse of Heaven bright. 

Cooling breezes fan thy brow, 
Flowers shed their perfume there, 
Host tliou from thy weary toil, 
Tnst.'' oT Heaven's beauties rare. 



THE SUNSET OF LIFE 

(Lines Written for an Aged Father) 
Wondrously realistic, gloriously real, 
The sunset of life o'er me doth steal, 
With God as my fortress, onward I'll trend 
His strength is sufficient, e'en to the end. 

Glad is my heart, and brighter my soul. 
For rivers of God o'er me doth roll 
The once heavy cross now lighter has grown? 
With Jesus I'm never walking alone. 

Clinging to Thee I am nearing the goal. 
Longing to enter that rest of the soul, 
Out of the battle my Captain has led, 
Onward I'm marching with God at the head. 



THE SNOW 

Transparent crystals, so pure and white, 
Filling the air with a sparkling light 
Softly thy feathery flakes doth fall. 
And all the earth with white enthrall. 

Em])lem of purity and light, 
Covering tlio oai'th with carpet white, 
E'en to the most skeptical thou dost bring, 
A message of God, that He is the king. 

And as the jingling sleighbells ring^ 
A gladsome note we all will sing. 
For the groat Ood who reigns above, 
T-^ over all and '^God is Love." 



THE LIGHTHOUSE 

The night was dark; the clouds hung low 
Fierce did the angry, billows flow 
Loud was the wind on the vap'ry air 
On such a night must a ship despair? 

Far out at sea the good ship Queen 
Was nearing dangers yet unseen 
Speeding o'er the turbulent wave 
Towards a perilous reef and a watery grave. 

With childlike faith in their captain's skill 
The trustful passengers feared no ill 

As onward the ship on its voyage sped 
With their valiant captain at the head. 

Louder and still louder grows the storm 
Angry billows on the wind are borne 
And unseen dangers are hovering o'er 
As the great ship nears the reef bound shore. 

But the eye that seeth the sparrow fall 
Watched that night for the mariner's call. 
And, 'mid the storms awful dim, 
Heard the praj^er that went up to Him. 

Swaying helplessly from side to side 
The vessel rose on the seething tide, 
'^Oh God," he cried, ^'Help else we die," 

And the loving Father heard his cry. 

Then out across the waters dark 
The lighthouse sent its glimmering spark 
Brightly beamed that beacon light 
To guide the good ship Queen aright. 

Warning of daiip;er lurking near 
Brono'ht to the ca])tnin's heart new cheer 
And he tlionght of (lod and his guiding light 
And i\ tlmnkl'nl pi-nyor wont up that night. 



A CHILD'S FACE 

'Twas a childish face on a busy street 
I saw as I paused a friend to greet 
A childish face, both sweet and pure 
A face so strangely immature. 

Round the dimpled face hung ringlets of gold 
And 'tis a trustful look those blue eyes hold, 
In those fairy hands were wreaths of flowers 
Plucked from ''My ladys' " moss grown bowers. 

As I looked there came the thought 
That fair faced child knoweth not 
What the years to come may disclose 
Of this worlds' joys or of its woes. 

Cod grant that, that trustful heart may know» 
The peace God giveth while hpre below. 
And may that life blossom as the the rose, 
Shedding its fragrance wheree'ret it goes. 



SUNRISE 

The golden sunrise of a summer day 
Spread over the earth its brightening ray 
And in transparent colors crept 
Into the window where I slept. 

llow its glorious light did illuminate 
And iiato the dark corners penetrate 
Its sparkling rays like diamonds clear 
(.'listening in the dnrkest sphere. 



WELCOME THE LOWLY JESUS 

Hark the Saviours' voice is calling 
Come sin sick soul to me and rest, 

Joyous news of peace He's bringing 
Let Jesus be the welcome guest. 

Welcome Him, Welcome Him, 
Let Jesus free you from all sin, 

Welcome Him, Welcome Him, 
Welcome now the lowly Jesus. 

Open now thy heart's door widely 

While Christ the Saviour stands outside 

List now to His kind entreaty 
He is waiting now to guide. 

Oh how he longs thy heart to cheer 
Longs thy heavy load to lighten 

All along the lone pathway drear 

With God to guide^ the way will brighten. 



TWILIGHT MUSINGS 

Dreamily I sat beside the vineclad wall 
And watched the fleeting clouds go by 

While listening to the bird choir's cheery call 
And to the whip-poor-will's mournful cry. 

T tbo't hapny hours I'll ne'er forget 

Faces of loved ones came to me 
Kind friends that in those days of yore I'd met 

While wandering far o'er life's sea. 

The kindlv words of yesterdays 

C^nmo floekip.g to my brain 
And brightly shone the sunbeam's rays 

As with my thoughts in twain. 



MY CHILDHOOD HOME 

In Sunset Valley there is a spot 

For me with silent beauties fraught, 

The home of childhood, where free from care 

I used to roam in the valleys fair. 

In the silv'ry twilight of a moonlight night 

I stole thro' the shady vale, 

AVhere amid the green fields and the mosses bright 

Blooms the woodland lily pale. 

The silent night-time lends a motley shade 
To the elm beddecked hillside and the glade; 

Grlassy waters of the brooklet flow 

O'er the mill-dam to the vale below. 

Mountain peaks to "the Southward lie — 
Their mossy summits touch the sky, 
The hills have on an evening glow 
And v/aving pine trees bending low. 

Wondrous world of my childhood dreams 
How vividly real child life seems. 
Ah, happy days that knew no care, 
No anxious thought was wasted there. 

Even now I can hear that bubbling brook, 
riliding quietly down past the shady nook, 
Where sheltered by trees my playhouse stood 
In a little corner in the wood- 



THAT HEAVENLY ISLE 

Beautiful isle that knows no pain 
Isle of sunshine and of peace 

Our sorrows here we count but gain 
There we find a sweet release. 

Wondrous isle with streets of gold, 
Where songs of birds float on the air, 

To our longing hearts unflold, 
The secret of a Fathers' care. 

Isle where all is joy and gladness 
And we rest from every care 
There* there is no room for sadness, 
No temper will our hearts ensnare. 

To that isle our way we're wending 
As the days pass swiftly by 

Angels waiting there are sending 
Words of cheer from on hijrh. 



JESUS STANDETH NEAR 

There's a friend who listens to our every sigh 
And who gently whispers, ''I am ever nigh," 
^'When your heart is troubled/ look to me to guide 

I, the lowly Jesus, standeth by thy side." 

When the tempter hovers, o'er us to assail, 
Christ the Master 's Avith us, He will never fail. 
Never doubt His presence, for He's always near; 
If you need a helper; He your barque will steer. 

Trust Him tlien more fully, as you journey on, 
Earthly friend.s may fail thee, e,voi" and anon, 
Yf»t with Jesus near thee all life will be bright 
Walking with the Master, you will see the light. 



AVONDALE 

(Lines on the old home of H, P. Allen) 
I am musing today and on memory's scroll 
Which my wandering tho'ts fain would control 
I am borne to Avondale, my dreamland so fair, 
AVhere carols of birds float on still Summer air. 

I pause in my musing, this land to explore. 
For always hath nature new wonders in store, 

And I view a wee home, nestling far in the shade. 
Of the evergreen trees that o'ershadow the glade. 

x\nd o'er the rock strewn ledge, o'ergrown with moss. 
The sparkling waters of the brooklet toss. 
Just in the background I sight an old mill 
Tho crumbling with age, it is standing still. 

Huge willow elms of centuries past 

O'er the winding pathway their shadows cast 

Where little feet, now gone before, 

Tread many times in days of yore. 

Here once the dense forests grew 
And Indians beat weired tattoo 
E'en novv^ there rests Indian braves 
In yonder moss coA^ered graves. 

Further on is the mineral spring 

Where children oft their buckets bring 

In yonder churchyard where the maple tree waves 

Sleep the family's loved ones in flower decked graves. 

The little home is still bright with cheer. 
Numerous relics are cherished here. 
Family heirlooms that for centuries past, 
Happy memories o'er their owners have cast. 

On what sacred ground this day I tread 
By memories roving impulse led 
I'll draw the curtain with this for tho't 
These precious memories cannot be bought. 



THE OCEAN 

I stood by the mighty ocean wide 
And I heard the waters roar 

And I watched the coming of the tide 
As it beat against the shore. 

The storm clouds grew in power 
And huge waves rose and fell 

It seemed that dreadful hour, 
That saints of old foretell. 

Stern in its majesty its giant waves 

Dashed with harsh fury on the rocks, 

E'en many a secret of wat'ry graves, 
Deep in its bosom this monarch locks. 

What grandeur here hath God displayed ? 

With power to stir man's soul serene 
Sublime in majesty arrayed, 

What lesson from thee can we fflean? 



A TEMPLE 

We are building every day 

A living temple for all time 
Then let self -master}^ have sway 

And love of right and truth divine. 

Let's fill the temple with good cheer 
And stimulate good will to all 

(jJivo us a hopeful thought and clear 
Each pathway that sin doth enthrall. 



HOME 

'Tis when the shades of evening falling 

Tell us that the day is o'er, 
And as quietly we set a-dreaming 

That we think of Home once more. 
And now we see the open fireplace, 

With the children all around, 
And hear the happy sound of voices, 

How we welcome now that sound. 

Just at the close of day 

When shades of evening fall, 
I sit and dream of home 

And think of loved ones all- 
How my thoughts wander off, 

Into the land of dreams, 
And once more by the open fireplace 

That home is what it seems. 

Far, far from the home nest I've wandered 

And now in a distant land 
I taste of the joys and the comforts 

Of that home in fair dreamland 
And I hear the familiar voices 

Wafting low on the still evening air 
And join in the chorus about me 

In that dear home in dreamland so fair. 



BENEATH THE ROSES 

Once a home was fashioned 

With tenderest love and care 
'Neath daintiest of cov 'rings 

The wee ones nestled there. 

Bit by bit 'twas biiilded 

Beneath that clinging vine 
Gently the mother bird 

The leaves and twigs entwine. 

Ah joyous home was that 

As beneath the mother's wings 

The wee ones nestle there 

While the mother to them sings. 

O'er head the beauteous rose 

Sends out its fragrance rare 
And happy is that home 

That love hath builded there. 

Some day that mother bird 

AVill lead her brood away 
With light and happy wing 

Far from that home away. 

And new homes will be builded 

By her birdlets one by one 
And other tiny birdlets 

Will sing 'neath the Summer sun. 

Yet no home will sweeter be 

Than the one 'neath the clinging rose 
Nor built with tenderer care 

And the love that a mother knows. 



FAITH 

At eventide, Faith, my darling, 
When the sun is sinking low 

Dreamily my thoughts go wand 'ring, 
To my love of long ago. 

Gentle breezes softly blowing, 

Whisper love's sweet song once more, 

Dearer to me you are growing. 
As I near that brighter shore. 

In the gath'ring shadows darling, 
Tend 'rest thoughts return of thee, 

'Tho the twilight gathers round ^me, 
I thy gentle face can see. 

How my heart for Faith is longing. 
As the days pass swiftly by, 

And I near the golden portal, 
Of that mansion in the skv. 



GOOD CHEEE 

Could we but be a wee bit cheerful 

When things don't always go our way; 

Could we but be a wee bit hopeful 
When hope seems a gruesome ray 

Then we doubtless would he helpful 
To all those who came our way 

And we'd be surprised how very cheerful 
We could be on a cloudy day. 



A FRIEND 

We joy in friendships' golden link 
And at the fount we fain would drink — 
New loveliness the soul shall find 
That passing days will closer bind. 

The cheery word and the kindly shake 
Of a friendly hand will always take 
The burden off each humble task 
And life's sunshine to us unmask. 

What princelier gift than a friend sincere, 
To cheer us when life's way seems drear, 
And rejoice with us when skies are blue. 
And all nature wears a lovelier hue. 



BEHOLD THE SAVIOUR COMES 

Behold, the Saviour comes in power , 
And glory fills the Heavens above. 
His conquering tread is felt this hour; 
All praises to the Heavenly dove. 

He comes, and now the joyful sound 
Of harp and timbrel on the air, 
While angel's voices all around 
Tell that His reign i^ drawing near. 

He comes, the hills and vales resound 
With one glad joyful note of praise, 
And may all love for Him abound 
To whom this song of joy we raise. 



BRIDGET TO JERRY 

Dear Jerry O'Leary, I miss you so much 
Never again will our lips lovingly touch 
Never again will we meet as of yore 
In our little cottage on the shore. 

A conqueror of men you looked that day, 

With gun on your shoulder marching away 

For our loved America you dropped in the fray 

And o'er the wires flashed the news that bleak winters day. 

Then sad was our home and broken Iny heart 
Dear Jerry, 'tis hard with loved ones to part 
And now in Flanders you sleep 'neath the sun 
A hero whose rest was valiantly won. 



TO THE PANSY 

Blue eyed beauty gazing up 

From thy mossy bed 'mid grass of green 
Kissed by morning dew so bright 

No fairer face hath a mortal seen. 

A dainty perfume thou dost shed 

Borne on the summer's air 
And to thy domain we are led 

To view thy visage fair. 

What mansion grander than thy home 

Kind nature doth provide 
What face is sweeter than thine own? 

Prav with us now abide. 



SHE SLEEPS 

They call it death, this peaceful sleep 
And gathered round her loved ones weep 
Yet tho' her earthly journeys' o'er, 
She's with her Master as of yore. 

She rests from lifes' shadows dim 
Peaceful rest at home with Him, 
And tho' her voice is silent here. 
She's dwelling in a brighter sphere. 

A little nearer Heaven seems 
And our cross with radiance gleams 
For precious mothers gone before 
To greet us on that better shore. 

Happy will that union be 

When we meet again with thee 

On Jordan's banks so bright and fair, 

We'll then lay down our every care. 



TO THE ROSE 

Oh rose with thy dewy petals 
How sweet is thy perfume rare 

Blossoming with quiet beauty 
And smiling visage so fair. 

A language of love thou dost whisper 

Sentiments holy and pure 
As from the clinging vine we pluck thee, 

Tliou rosebud so immature. 



THE BROOKLET 

Bubbling o'er the rocky ledge 

Down the hillside steep it flows 

Past the motely cedar hedge 

Where the drooping willow grows. 

Ever onward in its flight 

Singing as it wends its way 

What a witness of God's might 
Singing praises night and day. 

On its banks the forget-me-not 

Raises its head in sweet command 

What a message it has brought 
Coming: from the unseen hand. 



BE GLAD 

Be glad that you're living, 

Some other to help, 
Life is not worth living. 

If lived but for self. 

Live in the sunlight, 

And to others j^ou'll bring 
Visions of daylight 

That will cause them to sing. 

Keep your heart singing 

All the day long; 
Then you'll be bringing 

To others a song. 



TRIBUTE TO THE LIVING MOTHERS 

There's a mother praying tonight 
That ne'er from the fold I stray 

There's a voice that tho' feeble now 
Grows still sweeter to me each day. 

Tho' no Avreath of laurels so bright 

Encircles that silvery head 
Yet some day a crown it will wear 

When before our Lord we are led. 

How that mother arm encircles 
The child of her wisdom and care 

Gently guiding into the fold 

Where a Shepherd's love it may share. 

What life hath yielded richer fruit 
Than the life of a mother pure 

Thine is the simple life of trust 
Built on a foundation secure. 

Some day to that city of God 
My mother will journey before 

To hear the w^ell done from her Lord 
And taste of the good things in store. 

But v/here e'er I am I will know 

That mother doth still love her child 
And is praying that God will keep 

When the storms of this life beat wild. 



INNOCENCE 

Chaste, pure and undefiled she came 

The child of mother's pride 
And sought amid earth's pleasure vain 

Her innocence to chide. 

Beauty of form and mein had she 

And filled with youthful trust 
She longed for love of all mankind 

And believed all to be just. 

Her heart did throb with youth's desire, 

She sang Love's songs so sweet 
And sought to win the heart of man, 
That fate led her to meet. 

With broken pinion now she moves 

Amid earth's jostling throng 
That heart that once sang love's sweet song 

Now sings of woman's wrong. 

Her laugh once gay hath lost the note 

Of careless youth and trust 
Love's song hath died upon those lips 

Her hopes lie in the dust. 

Ah! careless youth bow oft bath man 

Trampled the soul of youth 
Shat'ring their belief in all mankind 

And lea din o' fiTim the truth. 



MOTHERS WATCHING-WAITING 

Just beyond the starry portals 
Gowned in robe o^ spotless white 

Angel mothers watciimy, waiting, 
Praying for her child tonight 

Mothers watching, waiting, 

Watching now for you, 
Gazing from you Heavens 

Bids you to be true. 

When the golden gates swing open 
Wearing still the white carnation 

Will you meet her smiling face 
Happy that you've won the race! 



Mother's God is with j^ou guiding 
To that bright celestial land 

Where your mother waits to welcome 
On that happy golden strand. 

Bright the sunshine of His presence 
Beams upon the pilgrim's way 

Sweet to us is the assurance 
Mother's God is real today. 



LEAD ON 

To that land of endless night 
Where the sun is shining bright 
Gently lead me, Saviour mine, 
I will place my hand in thine. 

If I falter Lord, be near; 
Speak a kindly word to cheer, 
Guide m^^ fait 'ring steps aright, 
Lead from darkness into light. 

Take my hand Oh Lord I pray, 
And my wand 'ring footsteps stay, 
Gently fold me to thy breast, 
Where I'll find sweet peace and rest 

Lead on, Oh Lord, and with thee, 
Lifes' brighter side I shall see. 
And when my burdens I lay down 
Mine eyes will then behold a crown. 



PEACE 

Blessed peace have I by my Saviour's side, 

Sweetlj^ I am resting in His love 
And I knoAv that He with me doth abide. 

Trusting in His all-abiding love. 

Trusting, trusting in that Power that watchess o'er 
Trusting trusting , trusting in His all abiding love. 

He's a friend to me when life's way is drear 
Trusting Him the liglit doth now appear 

In His presence too I shall always find 
A blest friend and helper ever kind. 



A ROBIN'S NEST 

Beneath a friendly pine tree 
I paused one day to rest 

When in the branches o'er me 
I beheld a robin's nest. 

The twigs were deftly woven 

That tiny home to form 
And nestling: in the branches 

'Twas safe from wind or storm, 

I gazed with raptuous wonder 

Upon this work of art 
Such was the home of the robin, 

Built in the forest's heart. 

And I til ought for the tiniest robin 
The father above doth dare 

And with fatherly love is watching 
O'er the wee ones nestlins: there. 



THE SAD FATE OF A MOUSE 

List to a tale of a wee little mouse, 
AVho dwelt all alone in a rich mans' house, 
Where pantries were filled with a plentiful store. 
Of apple pies, cookies and good things galore. 

One night he awoke and speaking aloud. 
Said of my brav'ry I'm feeling quite proud, 
The folks are all in dreamland now I assume. 
And good things in plenty I soon will consume. 

So forth to the pantry he swiftly did hie, 
The place to explore and its goodly stores try. 
Swift were his feet as the wings of the wind 
But fate oft times is not ahvays so kind. 

A panful of milk on the shelf he did spy 
And he said to reach it I shortly will try 
lie climbed on the shelf and up to the pan 
Swiftly his little feet joyfully ran. 

But sad was his fate for into the cream 
He quickly did jump and then came a scream 
Th^ cook had arrived — his fate was soon sealed 
And now to his friends that sad fate is revealed. 

Moral. 
Small friend of my youth, I fain would invoke 
Don't ever the cook with mischief provoke 
For you surely will suffer for every small wrong 
And the weaker one must surely yield to the strong. 



MOTHER OF LIGHT 

Mother of light and goodness 
In that land of pure delight 

Where the rivers of life are flowing, 
Thou dwellest in Heaven's light. 

Today in honor of m<9ther 
I the white carnation wear 

And pray that God's richest blessing 
May rest on my mother dear. 

'Twas thou dear one who guided, 
My footsteps when but a child, 

And taught me the beautj^ of service, 
That was pure and undefded. 

Thy noble life I reverence 

Thou gavest of it for me 
God grant I may always cherish 

Sweet and loving thoughts of thee. 

Moments are quickly passing 
In this earthly home below 

And soon there'll be a glad reunion, 
With thee, mother dear, I know. 



THE PRINTER'S DEVIL 

Did you ever hear of the Printer's Devil, 
Who always did things on the level? 
My, how the type and leads would bound, 
When the printer's devil came around. 

The Printer's Devil's love for pie 
Oft the printer did decry 
And in terms of blank dismay 
Naughty words he then would say. 

The pie of course was never cooked 
And the Printer's Devil always looked 
Extremely wise as tho' to say 
''Unbaked pies here any day." 

One day the paper being late 
The printers moved at lively rate 
And as one was absent from the rest 
The Printer's Devil was put to test. 

When called upon to lift the Form 
How the Printer's Devil then did storm 
And soon the Form in a heap did lie 
The Devil had made another pie. 

The printer's anger then waxed strong 
And the Devil then saw 'twas wrong 
But his repentance came too late 
Out the door he went at a livelv rate. 



NATURE 

The poet mused, and musing thought, 
New inspiration he had sought, 
While all about him nature spoke, 
His seeming blindness to revoke. 

The limpid brook, the trees so green, 
All spoke of wonders yet unseen, 
The bright blue skj^, the singing birds, 
All these spoke out as loud as words. 

The smiling faces of friends so true, 
The snow capped hills, the ocean blue. 
Taught him that kind nature would endow. 
With Genius to which the world would bow 



DWIGHT 

(Lines written on the death of a friend.) 
Over the silent river. 

And into the great unknown. 
Quietly and without murmur. 

The spirit of D wight hath flown. 

Heaven's bright portals above, 
Opened to welcome him there, 

Glad and joyous that welcome. 
To a city bright and fair. 

With angel bands we'll leave him, 
On the streets all paved with gold. 

Safe in His Masters keeping, 
Sheltered in Heaven's fold. 



THE FAIRY QUEEN 

She Avas a maiden fair, 

With fairy face and mein; 
And a wealth of golden hair, 

Crowned this fairy queen. 

Pure was her heart as the flowers 

That bloom in the month of May, 
Happily for her passed the hours 
That life filled with a sunbeam's ray. 

Naught of sorrow she knew, 

Nor yet an earthly care, 
Like a dainty flowerette she grew, 

Pure, beautiful and rare. 

Swiftly the months sped on 

And lengthened into years 
'Till a maiden tall we looked upon 

On the threshold of those years. 

Then one day there came to town 

A. stranger tall and fair, 
Gowned in a suit of sombre brown 

And a sort of don't-care air 

The stranger met and wooed the maid 

And in childlike faith and trust 
Her heart and hand the maiden laid 

At his bidding in the dust. 

Then came the day, that dreadful day 

When for her the sun stood still 
And faded from sight the sunbeam's rays 

In that cottage on the hill. 

Beneath her plate that morn she found, 

A note which fate foretold, 
Her friend was for the Westward boui^d, 

His love it had grown cold. 

Ah, cruel the hand that on that brow 
Hath caused the marks of care to grow, 

And hard the heart that could allow 

That golden head with sorrow to bend low. 



ONLY A BUNCH OF CARNATIONS 

'Twas only a bunch of carnations pink, 

The postman brought that day, 
But into my heart these blossoms bro't 

Kind thoughts of friends away. 

Oft at nightfall when calm stillness reigns, 

As I rest on my bed so white 
Thoughts of kind hearts that beat far away, 

Makes m.y pain for the moment seem light. 

How their thoughtful kindness doth fall like balm, 
When the load seems heavy I am called to bear, 

There's lull in the tempest — then all is calm, 

For the load is lighter if your friends doth care. 



THE MUSICIAN 

O'er the pearly keys his fingers glide 
AVith the touch of an artist bold, 
Sweet music answers his every touch, 
And the peace of his soul unfold. 

Ah master touch ! hands almost divine. 

Holy joy tliose notes of thine doth bring, 
Angel jiarps n'er sweeter notes doth sound, 
Tluiri from thy halls of music ring. 



LOOK TO GOD 

We seek for fame and for earthly lore, 
And not for the things of the Spirit, 

'Til our feet go slipping on the shore 
And we long for something of merit. 

Ah 'tis then the things of Eternal worth 

Loom up to our longing eyes ; 
And we cry to the land that gave us birth 

And turn from earth to the skies. 

Then the ever faithful God hears our Avail 

And his loving arms enfold; 
With Fatherly compassion heeds our tale, 

A tale that has oft been told. 

Then we follow up the Heavenward road, 

Tho' rocky may be the waj'. 
New wisdom and power will lighten our lond 

Bringing fresh courage each daj^ 



THE SUNSHINE BEARER 

He comes to cheer the darkened heart 

And set the captive free 
Of life and death he is a part 

He loves both you and me. 

He is our rock, our sure defense 

In every storm of life, 
And when the clouds are gathering dense 
He leads on through the strife. 

Fullness of joy in Him we find 
And pleasures forevermore. 

What plenteous joy in store for them 
Who learn to trust Him more. 



''PEACE ON EARTH'' 

O'er all the earth doth beam the rays 
Of Bethlehem's star with radiance glowing 

Bright 'ning with hope the coming days 
And God's blest peace on all bestowing. 

'Neath silvery rays that moonlight night 

The little lambs were sleeping, 
While o'er their flocks a quiet watch 
The Shepherds near were keeping. 

'Twas midnight, solemn, calm and still. 
The stars were all agleam 
While shepherds watched their flocks from ill 
Close by the limpid stream. 

On such a night long, long ago 

The Lord of Glory came 
To shield all men from sin and woe 

That hour in Bethlehem. 

And then amid a dazzling light 

Came tidings from on high 
That Christ had come Earth's wrongs to right, 
The reigning of a King was nigh. 



LEADING-GUIDING-BLEST SAVIOUR DIVINE 

Saviour thou'rt leading, all along life's way 
Lovingly thou'rt guiding lest I go astray 

Patiently thou seest, when I lose my way, 

Gently thou dost urge me, with my Lord to stay. 

Leading, guiding, blest Saviour Divine 
Leading, guiding, oh what peace is mine 

Xo earthy joy can give such happiness of heart 
Leaning on my Saviour, He's of life a part. 

Often when I'm lonely, and the road seems long 

I can hear him whisp'ring, *^ Child of mine, be strong 

And when dark the pathway, He is ever near 

Saying ''Child have courage, Do not falter here." 

Tliou who knowest not, the peace of God within, 
AVon't you let him lead you, and no longer sin, 

He will guide and bless you, if you look to Him, 
And His^ light will shine out, in the darkness dim. 



TO THE CANARY 

Sweet songster in thy gilded cage 

What happy songs doth fill thy breast, 

Songs that bring such cheer and gladness. 
That by thy presence we are blest. 

']\Iid storm or sunshine thou dost sing, 
In gladsome note the whole day long. 

Nor rest when night doth darkly close 
Then still is heard thy happy song. 

The sweetness of thy voice doth stir 
Our inmost souls with peace of heart 

Ah li'lndly do we list to thee 

Wliom hnppiness and joy impart. 



TO A ROBIN 

Thou messenger of early Spring 
What gladsome tidings thou dost bring 
Of birds, and trees and flowers, 
And happy sunlit hours. 

Soon the ground beneath our feet 
With clover blossoms will be sweet 
And wee birds nestling in the grass 
Will flutter by us as we pass. 

Now the sun will shine the brighter 
And all cares will seem the lighter 

For the Robin brings new cheer 

He tells us that Spring is here. 

Thou cheerful songster of the wood 

To us thy voice seems good. 

Thy song we've missed in days gone by 

And we welcome thee as Spring draws nigh. 



TRUST IN GOD 

Why should you friend of ought complain ? 
Why troublous clouds or weeping rain? 
For o'er thee reigns a God of might 
Who ever battles for the right. 

Wliy should you sink in mute despair? 
For Clod is love, and God doth care. 
He reaches out o'er this broad land 
And gently leads us by the hand. 

Why weep then of thy humble lot 
Courage, oh child, for Christ you sought 
And lie is ready* over there, 
To help His child, and He dotli care. 



A CHILD'S PRAYER 

The night was cold, and the air was still, 
In the lonely cottage on the hill, 
Where knelt a mother's angel faced child — 
On no fairer picture Heaven smiled. 

The pale face and gentle eyes 

Were raised sadl}^ to the. skies 

While from the thin lips breathed forth a prayer, 

To God above for his tender care. 

Tie prayed that the Christ-child might impart 

A love for home in his father's heart 

And bring to his life a dreadful fear 

Of judgment day that was drawing near. 

Then into his humble cot he got, 
Trembling with cold, this wee little tot, 
And quietly turned out the light 

And to his mother said, ' 'good-night." 

But the kindly Saviour had been near 
And heard the prayer of his child so dear, 

And to that home came better days 
When father's voice arose in praise. 

Now each evening at the throne of grace 
The Father and mother find a place. 
The once chill cottage has lovelier grown 
Because the seed of a prayer was sown. 



SOMETIME-SOMEWHERE 

Somewhere beyond the veil 

In the sweet by and by 
My lonely bark shall sail 

To that home beyond the sky. 

Somewhere a Father waits 
His child to welcome home 

And wide will swing the gates 
In that eternal home. 

Sometime my trials shall cease . 

And I'll no longer sigh 
For there'll be sweet release 

In that mansion in the sky. 

Sometime in that better land, 
Where life's sorrows come no more 

I'll b}^ my Saviour stand 
On that eternal shore. 



THE FORGET-ME-NOT 

'Twas only a little flower, 

A dainty forget-me-not, , 
That grew by the gliding water 

Near a mossy woodland plot- 

Proudly it lifted its head 

Beneath the silv'ry sky 
As liigh o'er its mossy bed, 

Tlie chirping swallows fly. 

And e'en of this little flower 

The great God tnketh tho't 

'Tis but a message of his power 

And wlint his hands hath wrought. 



ONLY A NEWSBOY 

He was but a newsboy on a crowded street 
Who worked all day in the sweltering heat 
A stranger passing beheld the lad 
And noted his look was wan and sad. 

The stranger paused with pleasant smile 
And a kindly word passed the while 
Which seemed to cheer the newsboy lone 
And for the wrongs of life atone. 

That gentle word and that kindly face 
Found in the newsboy's heart a place 
He walked away with happy song, 
Heeding not the jostling throng. 

AVhat a cheery word oft times will do 
To cheer a heart that is lone and blue 
And a little seed dropped will grow 
All 1 blor,som brifrhtlv somewhere below. 



A SUMMER'S NIGHT 

Still was the air that summer's night 

And blue the sky above 
Dotted with stars that shed their light 

O'er all the earth abroad. 

The moon peeped out from behind the trees 

To all a radiant light 
While faint perfume wafted on the braaze 
Came from the lilac bright. 

The myraid stars seemed to dance 

In the pinnacles above 
With sparkling light to enhance 

The wondrous earth beneath. 

Can poet paint with words of pen 

The beauties of that night? 
Paint in glowing words and then 

The blind may see aright. 



AROOSTOOK VALLEY 

In the sunny State of Maine, 

Where the apple blossoms bloom 

And the fields with flowers gay, 
Fill the air with sweet perfume. 

Is a valley fair to view 

Nestling 'mid the quiet hills 

Peace and plenty there prevail, 
Kindly cheer each hour fills. 

Fair Aroostook thou art known. 
For thy rich and fertile soil, 

Abundant harvest yields. 

Brings reward for all thy toil. 

Thro ' each meadow, hill and vale, 
Sparkling waters gently flow, 

And amid the grasses tall, 
Flowers in abundance grow. 



MOTHER'S JEWELS 

In its tiny basket lined with blue, 
Caught up with ribbons of every hue, 
The wee babe slept while its fair lips wore 
The kiss of the Angel hov'ring o'er. 

Far into the night thy vigil keep. 
Angel of light dost thou ever sleep? 
Ah! Guardian Angel I fain would ask: 
Pray, who would not envy thee thy task? 

From the day when those blue eyes first see the lighl 
Thou't hovering o'er with they radiance bright 
Thy gentle face bears no mark of care 
Biit the peace of Heaven ling 'ring there. 

Ah sacred trust, those eyes so blue. 

In future years will look to you. 

And those gentle childlike feet you'll guide 

O'er many a sea with foaming tide. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




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